The World Poultry Foundation (WPF) recently visited its longstanding partners at Silverlands Tanzania Limited to reflect on the achievements and insights gained from the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), a program that ran from 2017 to 2022. This collaborative meeting served as an opportunity to evaluate the outcomes of the initiative and explore how the progress made can be sustained and expanded. During the visit, both teams engaged in meaningful discussions on the lessons learned, key successes, and the opportunities that lie ahead in the effort to transform the poultry sector in Tanzania. The spirit of partnership and commitment to continued growth was evident throughout the conversations.
APMI was launched with the goal of improving access to quality poultry genetics and strengthening the entire poultry value chain in several African countries, with Tanzania being one of the flagship locations. In partnership with local stakeholders like Silverlands, the initiative focused on delivering dual-purpose birds to smallholder farmers, thus enabling them to boost household nutrition and increase their income from poultry farming. Over the course of five years, APMI successfully reached thousands of small-scale producers, many of whom were women and youth, with training, resources, and reliable access to improved breeds.
The considerable increase in farmer livelihoods in Tanzania has been one of the main results of the APMI initiative. Previously hindered by restricted access to high-quality inputs and expertise, smallholder poultry growers are now enjoying increased productivity and profitability. In addition to improved poultry, the program has given farmers the ability to better manage their flocks. By receiving training in disease prevention, animal husbandry, and business techniques, farmers have improved their ability to expand their poultry enterprises and support regional food systems.
Furthermore, the poultry value chain has been significantly impacted by the project. Through close collaboration with commercial sector entities like Silverlands Tanzania Limited, APMI created a sustainable strategy that connects smallholder farmers to trustworthy marketplaces and providers of inputs. As a result, a robust poultry ecosystem that promotes economic growth at the local and national levels has been established. Even after donor financing ends, the relationships developed via APMI remain strong, demonstrating the program’s long-term sustainability.
Another critical aspect discussed during the visit was the role of innovation and adaptability. Over the five-year span of the project, both WPF and Silverlands encountered challenges that required flexibility and creative problem-solving. Whether it was responding to disease outbreaks or adjusting to market fluctuations, the ability to adapt was essential to maintaining momentum and achieving desired outcomes. These experiences have laid a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at further strengthening the poultry sector in Tanzania and beyond.
Looking ahead, the World Poultry Foundation and Silverlands Tanzania Limited are committed to building on the success of APMI. The focus now shifts to scaling up the reach and deepening the impact of similar interventions. This includes identifying new partnerships, investing in innovation, and continuing to support the growth of inclusive, market-driven poultry systems. As the sector evolves, the lessons learned from APMI will serve as a blueprint for effective and sustainable development. The continued collaboration between WPF, Silverlands, and other stakeholders promises to deliver lasting change for smallholder farmers and the communities they serve.
